It seems Pittsburgh Pirates’ Paul Skenes seems to be in a hurry. Whether it’s throwing a high-paced baseball or sprinting in minor leagues, he is becoming a master at everything. Taking his enigma from minor to major league, the lad has made history. He has been selected to the 2024 MLB All-Star game, a stage only a few get a chance. 

Well, he is not alone as his teammate and Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds will be a part of the prestigious event. Still not playing for so long at the Major League, Skenes has been dominant since his debut. Acknowledging the moment in their dressing room, he shared a few words about his achievement. If that’s not more, his girlfriend Olivia Dunne planned a surprise for his bellowed soulmate. 

Paul Skenes Historical Speech on his All-Star Selection

The Pirates ace needed just 10 electrifying starts to enter the All-Star conversation and make history. Speaking about his selection and thanking his coach and teammates, Skenes said, “This is Cool and I am just grateful for all you guys. Since the first day, I’ve been here I’ve been a part of the team. I couldn’t have done it without you guys.” Well, he truly deserves the selection, as his numbers reflect the same. Currently, Paul Skenes is at 5-0, having an ERA of 2-12 across his last 10 starts for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Regarding his pitching, he has thrown 59.1 pitches and recorded a staggering 78 strikeouts. 

Additionally, while Skenes didn’t match up with the numbers set by other pitchers, his dominance spoke for him. Reflecting on how quickly his All-Star selection happened, Skenes further said, “It’s happened quick. Hopefully, I’ll have some time when I get out there to take it all in and be able to experience it all. It’s just a really cool opportunity all around.” In his recent 11 games have put him on track to be among the few to be selected for the All-Star Game, as per Elias Sports Bureau. Earlier, Detroit’s Mark Fidrych, Dodgers Hideo Nimo, and Florida’s Dontrelle Willis all did it in 13 appearances, still two more than Skenes. 

Reflecting on his past performance that made Paul Skenes the man he is today, it has been great too. In the Rookie League, he made five appearances, namely in the Class A and Double-A. At that stage, too, he had an impressive ERA of 0.99 in seven starts. Plus, in his Triple-A Indianapolis, he retired 45 batters in his 27 ⅓ innings.  Meanwhile, planning a surprise for her boyfriend, his girlfriend Olivia Dunne went a notch ahead, garnering her love. 

Olivia Dunne Celebrates Boyfriend Paul Skenes All-Star Selection

Right from being an NL rookie frontrunner to being selected for the All-Star game, Olivia Dunne has been his boyfriend’s support. Expressing her love, Olivia Dunne shared a recent Instagram story. Unlike other stories that are black or white, her story was something special. It showcased a pie from Primanti Bros, six Champagne glasses, and a bottle of champagne. If that’s not all, “All-Star” was written in Gold Letters hung right onto the wall. 

Indeed, Dunne and Skene’s relationship has been going on for over a year. Both met last year when they were studying at LSU. They even played for the tiger gymnastics and their respective baseball teams. As Skenes is making history, his girlfriend isn’t left far behind. Dunne is the highest-earning collegiate athlete through NIL deals and even helped LSU clinch its maiden NCAA title in 2024. 

Regarding the date of the All-Star Selection Game, it will be held on July 16. The venue will be Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Hence, seeing their growing love for each other, it will be interesting to see, whether Olivia Dune travels to witness his boyfriend pitch in the Midsummer Classic. Rest, Pirates rising Ace Star seems to be ready for the new challenge, the one that could make him a superstar player, in the years to come.